Selecting Outdoor Kitchen Flooring

By Rose Kennedy

When you're shooting high for a luxury outdoor kitchen, don't forget to look down first — any stylish, long-lasting, comfortable outdoor room must start with an appropriate floor. Here are some factors to consider when selecting the right flooring material for your outdoor kitchen:

As with so many building projects, the adage "safety first" applies. "You should avoid glazed or porous tiles and stone since they can be slippery when wet," says Sergio de Paula, president of Fogazzo Wood Fired Ovens and Barbecues in Arcadia, Calif., a company renowned for its outdoor kitchen designs.

Materials that meet the safety criteria include concrete, brick and natural stone. "Ceramic tile is also a popular choice that offers a variety of colors and finishes to choose from and, in most cases, is adequate in terms of slip resistance," Sergio says.